Cooler Master HAF XM Chassis Review

Introduction:

As a huge fan of the HAF 932, I fell in love at CES this year with Cooler Master’s new addition to the HAF (High Air Flow) series. The HAF XM was released today as the essence of the HAF X in the form of a mid-tower enclosure. It is not just a shorter version of the HAF X, but much like the X looked like the 932, the XM follows right in line with the same battle ready appearance. To me, it pulls the appearance of being the product if the HAF 932 and HAF X were to have an offspring. It brings the best of both worlds into a smaller better HAF.

The HAF XM has full coverage fan filters protecting your hardware from kitty fur and dust. It has the ability to support up to four 200mm fans, with two already included. The front fan lights up in red like the other HAF cases and actually has an LED control button on the I/O panel to turn out the lights. After the X-Docking became a bit popular with the release of the CM Storm Trooper, the CM HAF has two semi-hidden X-Docks right up front for use. It has a lot to offer as a high-end tower designed for users that want full tower features in a compact enclosure. Let’s take a look at the new CM HAF XM (that’s a fun one to say ten times fast).

Closer Look:

From first glance at the box on my porch I was a little confused as why I would be getting another HAF 932. With two in the house already, I knew I didn’t order it, and that OCC had already reviewed it and the HAF X. Then it clicked – it was the XM I’d seen back in January at CES; to be honest I was quite excited. The front of the box shows the case front with simple “HAF XM” lettering. It’s labeled as an “enthusiast mid-tower” with support for 3-Way SLI/CF support. The back of the box keys in on a few features I’ve mentioned above and gives a quick peek inside the case. The sides of the box list the specifications and features as well as let you know what model has arrived. I’ve been sent the window-less version without a power supply (A windowed version will be available depending on regions).

Opening up the box I’m impatient to take these pictures for you. I just want to open it up, tear off the foam end caps and pull away the plastic to reveal it. I managed to grab a few shots before doing so and this is what you get. A standard packed case, a large plastic bag to protect it and massive foam end caps to handle the delivery abuse. Enough, it is on to the next page to satisfy my needs to see the case in person.